What is beauty? And how do we view and define women in wheelchairs? Monday’s movie, Defining Beauty: Ms Wheelchair America, takes us through the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant, as contestants go through a three day series of speeches, adventures, bonding (and some bitchery!). Yes, there’s hair styling,  make up, tiaras, sashes and competition. But most importantly, the participants in this contest redefine beauty as they celebrate their uniqueness and thus help us see our own.

Organized in 1972 by Dr. Philip K. Wood, Ms. Wheelchair America recognizes the accomplishments of women who must rely on wheelchairs for mobility. Its primary mission is to provide an opportunity for these women to educate and advocate for the more than 52 million Americans living with disabilities. This unique beauty pageant is a competition based on advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for persons with disabilities.  (http://www.mswheelchairamerica.org)

Director Alexis Ostrander will be joining us along with producers Molly Klatch and Megan Keane, and Miss Wheelchair Texas 2009 Ana Calvo.

FDL Movie Night is Monday, 5pm-6:30pm west coast/8pm-9:30pm east. To comment and question, you must be logged in to FDL. If you aren’t already registered, it’s free! Click the log in/register button at the top of your screen, fill out the info and your password will be emailed to you.